Get Active -Veteran’s Health Week 21st-29th October
This year Veterans’ Health Week (VHW) will be held from Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October and the theme is “Physical Activity”.
The week is an opportunity for veterans, war widows, widowers, current and ex-Australian Defence Force members and their families to improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of themselves and their friends.
What is physical activity?
Physical activity is any activity that gets your body moving, makes your breathing quicken you’re your heart beat faster.
Department of Health physical activity guidelines for adults recommend:
• Aim to be active every day.
• Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes
of physical activity as tolerated, or an equivalent combination of both each week.
• Do muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week.
What are some types of exercises you can be doing?
MODERATE ACTIVITIES
• Ballroom dancing
• Cycling on the flat
• General gardening (raking, mowing)
• Tai chi
• Tennis (doubles, social)
• Throwing sports (softball, volleyball)
• Walking briskly
• Water aerobics
VIGOROUS ACTIVITIES
• Aerobic dancing (Zumba, tango)
• Bushwalking uphill (or stair climbing)
• Cycling (hills or more than 20km/hr)
• Race walking, jogging or running
• Swimming (fast or laps)
View more examples here by downloading our fact sheet
Doing some physical activity is better than doing done at all!
What are some of benefits of daily activity:
• Helps manage or reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Maintain and/or improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Reduce the risk of, and assist with rehabilitation from, some cancers
• Prevent unhealthy weight gain and assist with weight loss
• Build strong muscles and bones
• Create opportunities for socialising and meeting new people
• Help to prevent and manage mental health problems
• Help to develop and maintain overall physical and mental well-being
• Help to maintain and improve brain health
If you are new to physical activity, have a health issue, or are concerned about the safety of being (more) active, see your GP and they can advise you on the most suitable activities.
No matter what your age or history, get active today!
Please visit your GP and they can provide advice and support to help you get active safely and stay healthy.
Our practices offer:
the Coordinated Veterans Care (CVC) program to Gold Card holders where you will undergo a full assessment with our experienced nurses to identify and focus on areas for better management of your health needs and if applicable arrange additional resources or support and
direct billing to Medicare for Veterans.
Please ask us at reception for more information.
Resources:
